Excerpts from
'Die Rhineland Illustrativ Gazette'
MARCH 1873
ASSASSINATION BY ANARCHISTS IN KOLBENZ!
Today, very grave news has reached us from the City of Koblenz in Mittelrhein. Both, Baron Micheal von Ginzman, Minister of the Interior and Colonel Karl von Embruck, Commander- in-Chief of Police of the Grand Duchy of Mittelrhein were shot dead at eleven o'clock yesterday evening. This heinous act was committed by a lone gunman bearing two reciprocater pistols. The fleeing assassin was was captured after a brief chase . We understand that he has subsequently died of the injures he sustained whilst viciously attacking his pursuers. Reports from within the government of Mittelrhein state that the murderous criminal was found to be carrying leaflets extolling the views of the dastardly World Anarchist Brotherhood. It is well-known that the leaders of this foul group, Herr Marx and Herr Engels, were both born in the Rhinelands before rushing into exile when their part in the terrible chaotic revolutions that occurred back in 1848 was revealed.
This outrage is the fourth assassination attempt on officials of the Mittelrhein government in as many months. It is rumoured that several high-ranking persons in that nation have already provided themselves with private bodyguards. These events are increasing the general lack of confidence in the current administration. of Mittelrhein's ruler, Prince Albrecht. It is thought that some of the city authorities within the country may mobilise at least a part of their Militia contingents in response to the present situation of uncertainty, despite apparant orders from the Prince to prevent this..
There has already been widespread international condemnation of this attack. The Prussian Diplomatic Service has gone as far as warning its citizens that only essential visits should be made to Mittelrhein for the next three months. The Grand Duchy of Cleve-Berg has put military units on their southern border onto stand-by alert. A statement by their Minister of Defence indicated that these orders were intended to ensure the apprehension of any future perpetrators of such acts who may attempt to cross the border into Cleve-Berg It is most certain that this period of instability in Mittelrhein is causing concern to those countries whose surround it. We all must wait for their government's reaction to this crime before pondering the future of this entire nation.
GRAND MEDIEVAL TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCED!
Once again, the eccentric Prince
Frederich of Prussia has invited many important and famous
personages to participate in a Grand Medieval Tournament at his
castle of Rheinstein near Bingen. The Prince intends to hold this
great Festival of Chivalry in May. It is rumoured that some of
the finest musical entertainers of our age will be present
in the guise of wandering medieval minstrels
The event is expected to last nine days and will undoubtedly prove to be one of the great spectacles of the entire year The Prince is well-known for his romantic longing for the Chivalry of the Medieval period. When at home in his quite newly restored castle, he, his family and their retainers continually dress in medieval costume.
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